As Rama together with Sita and Laxmana roamed the Dandaka forest, they chanced upon a man-eating monster called Viradha.

The monster lifted Sita and was about to take her away with him when Rama used his bow. Viradha laughed seeing the puny bow and broke it with his finger.

Realising the futility of using bows to fight with Viradha, Rama and Laxmana decided to tear off his arms. With great gusto they wrenched off Viradha's arms and threw him on the ground. Rama immediately planted his foot on Viradha. The touch had a wondrous effect Viradha's eyes softened and with folded hands he said, "Your touch has purified my mind. I am a gandharva (nature spirit), and not a monster. Please kill me and relieve me of the curse."

Rama accepted Viradha's request and kill him.

The monster's body changed into a gandharva and soared up to the skies.